Little Caesars Pizza presents season 7!

7.29 is all about the beginning of Fall sports in the Metro East.

First, Jack Grimm, the "Volleyball Guru," joins Dave and KP for the High School Report. The guys reveal our football rankings for Small, Medium, and Large Schools, with a breakdown of the biggest games from Week 1, and a discussion of the players and the teams that made the greatest rises and falls in the rankings. KP mentions several top performers, including Jax Ohren (Highland HS), Luke Clover (Civic Memorial), and Nigel Gooden (Cahokia). KP also talks about his "Game Day Experience" at his alma mater, Althoff, which had a big win over Collinsville in Week 1.

Then, Jack gives us his Small, Large, and Inclusive Volleyball Rankings. The Guru says that O'Fallon and Columbia are the teams to beat, but that there are several local teams poised to take a shot at the "queens." Dave suggests to KP that he do a "Game Day" at a volleyball game, and Grimm suggests the outdoor game at Mascoutah.

Finally, to complete the High School Report, Dave gives the "preseason" soccer rankings; games start this week, but we reveal our rankings with a discussion of the teams to watch. Kamper says the SWC is "loaded" with EHS, OTHS, and Triad at the top, but he noted the talent in both Bellevilles and Collinsville.

For Segment II, we welcome from Triad Football Kannon Seipp and Dawson Deatherage. Seipp, the quarterback, talks about the "nerves" associated with playing the position, but also the love he has for playing football. Deatherage is recognized for the Icon Trophies and Design "iconic moment of the Week" for his 52-yard touchdown run, which secured the victory for the Knights over Highland in Week 1. Seipp, a middle infielder for the Knights Baseball Team, describes the challenges and joys of playing two sports at THS, and Deatherage talks about carrying on the "family tradition" of playing running back at Triad. Both boys shout out the strength and conditioning program at Triad and look forward to finishing their season strong.

Season 7 is presented by Little Caesars Pizza, and episode 28 features plenty of XC and football talk!

We begin the show with the High School Report, presented by Joe's Market Basket. Dave Lipe, Kevin Pawlow, Matt Kamp and Mike Baxter discuss the high school scene. Baxter previews the top boys and girls XC teams in the Metro East. He mentions Father McGivney, Metro East Lutheran, Waterloo, O'Fallon, Edwardsville, and Collinsville amongst his teams to watch, and he includes some early-season rankings and runners to watch out for.

Then, Kamp, KP, and Dave reveal our small, medium, and large football rankings. KP discusses players to watch out for in every category, and the guys discuss teams they think might be over- or under-rated. East St. Louis, Calhoun County, and Breese Central are our top teams in their respective categories. Dave thinks Mater Dei will be a force with returning QB Hunter Hochbaum, and KP picks East Side to beat Mt. Carmel in a Week 1 matchup.

In Segment II, we are joined by "the best voice in Metro East coaching," Austin Frazier, Head Coach at Althoff; he is joined by star running back Steven Brown. Frazier describes the "fun" he had this summer teaching his players. Brown, a two-way player, describes his style as a back, and he talks about playing defense this year for the first time since his freshman year. Brown and Frazier convince Dave and KP, that the Althoff tailgate is one not to be missed, and the guys preview the Crusader's game in just 3 days, as they host the Kahoks of CHS.

This season is presented by Little Caesars Pizza! 7.27 brings the fall heat with scintillating conversations with Jack Hull of Central Illinois Sports, Jack Grimm of Civic Memorial HS Girls Volleyball, and Chris Eddy of O'Fallon THS Girls Golf.

In Segment I, we welcome Jack Hull of Central Illinois Sports. Hull, a graduate of Camp Point HS, is an expert on all things WIVC, and his passion and knowledge for football in that region are unparalleled. Hull breaks down the football teams in his area, shares his personal history, and he makes some predictions about the upcoming season. In addition, he mentions what folks who have never seen WIVC football are missing. Lots of talk in this segment about Brown County, Camp Point Central, Maroa-Forsythe, and Calhoun County High Schools.

In Segment II, Jack Grimm, our "Volleyball Guru," provides an impeccably detailed breakdown of the upcoming girls volleyball season. Grimm mentions the teams, stories, and players to watch this fall. He discusses how adding teams to the SWC makes it tougher, and he is adamant that "Mascoutah is the team to beat," and that this might be the "year of the small school" with Maryville Christian, Okawville, and Red Bud all poised to make deep post-season runs.

In Segment III, we are joined by the area's top girls golf coach, Chris Eddy of O'Fallon THS. Eddy previews the biggest upcoming matchups on the links this fall. He talks about how the Edwardsville Tigers gained two special players this year including Ally Suhre, one of the area's top players. And, he indicates that "O'Fallon, Edwardsville, and Mater Dei" are the "big three locally." Finally, Coach Eddy predicts that Mater Dei will "finish in the top three at state."

This show has us excited for fall volleyball, golf, and the gridiron.

This season is presented by Little Caesars Pizza, and 7.26 features three incredible guest segments with pro tennis champion Vignesh Gogineni; Lewis and Clark CC Men's Golf Coach Shane Callahan and sophomore golfer Henry Neely; and Daisy Dougherty of Roxana HS basketball, volleyball, and track.

The show begins with hosts Matt Kamp and Dave Lipe discussing the recent Edwardsville Futures Pro Circuit Tennis Tournament, which concluded yesterday. The guys recap the week, with an emphasis on community involvement activities and the challenges posed by the weather. Kamp highlights the event's growth over the past 15 years, and then we welcome, via phone, the 2026 champion and recent Yale graduate, Vignesh Gogineni. The American of Cincinnati talks about his upset victory over the field in Edwardsville, and he describes the "big crowds," which make Edwardsville unique on the tour.

Next up, in Segment II, we welcome LCCC Men's Golf Coach Shane Callahan alongside sophomore golfer Henry Neely, formerly of Alton HS. Callahan describes a direct conversation on the team van that turned the season around for his squad. Neely talks about being a team leader next year. then, Callahan, who teaches sports psychology at Lewis and Clark, gives some advice on how coaches can use sports psychology to their advantage.

Finally, in Segment III, we welcome Roxana HS recent graduate, Daisy Dougherty, the all-time leading scorer for RHS basketball. Dougherty talks about what she'll miss about being a Shell, and she describes what she's looking forward to at Lincoln Land CC, where she will continue her hoop career. She also answers questions about how she got started in the sport, and she describes the emotions associated with breaking the scoring record at RHS.

Season 7 is presented by Little Caesars Pizza, and this episode features three CHAMPIONS!

Segment 1 features Wilbur Suhre Memorial Golf Tournament Champion Chris Brant. Brant details his long, illustrious golf career, which included medals at Edwardsville High School, NCAA glory at the University of Iowa, and four and a half years of professional play. Then, we discuss his record-setting win at Oak Brook GC last week. Brant reveals the challenges of professional golf, and he talks about when the game was "the most fun." He also outlines the significant contributions of the Suhre family and what they've meant to him in particular.

Segment 2 features Roxana Jr. High Girls Track sprinter Peyton Cincoski and her coach, Wade Devries. Cincoski talks about being recruited to run out of "7th grade PE class" and the emotions of winning state. Devries shares his thoughts on coaching Cincoski and his anticipation of her continued success in high school in both volleyball and track.

In Segment 3 we recognize our latest Charitable Champion presented by Front Office Fiduciary Network, Riley Patterson, kicker for the NFL's Miami Dolphins. Patterson talks about his deep convictions for mentoring "high school-aged kids," and the significance of his faith in Christ. Patterson also talks about the challenges he has faced throughout his career, and he sheds light on the competitive fraternity of NFL kickers. The Edwardsville HS and Memphis University graduate explains why he chose the EHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes as his "charity of choice."

Season 7 is presented by Little Caesars Pizza!

7.24 has three incredible segments. In Segment I, hosts KP and Dave are joined by our volleyball expert, Jack Grimm. Grimm cites his top male and female players! KP mentions our upcoming fall sports previews, and Dave talks about the upcoming Edwardsville Futures tennis tournament.

In Segment II, we are joined by our Integrity Spine and Joint Center Team of the Month, The Belleville Rockies. The team is represented in the studio by the team's Manager, Jim Thomspson, and his son, AJ, who is the team's "Jack of All Trades." The Thompson boys describe the idyllic field of dreams that is the Mon-Clair League and the Valmeyer Tournament in particular.

In Segment III, we are joined by the MESPY winners for Tennis Doubles Team of the Year, Schaefer Bates and Isaac Chleboun of Edwardsville HS. Bates and Chleboun reflect on a career that included 4 trips to the state tournament. KP asks the boys what it was like playing for Lipe, and Dave shares a few of his best memories with these two.

This season is presented by Little Caesars Pizza! 7.23 features the High School Report with Dave Lipe, Kevin Pawlow, and Matt Kamp; sports photographer Paul Baillargeon; and state champion hurdler Sophie Shapiro of Edwardsville High School.

In Segment I, the High School Report, KP reveals his top 10 baseball teams regardless of size: Triad, Edwardsville, O'Fallon, Mascoutah, Freeburg, Waterloo, Belleville West, Breese Central, Nashville, and Columbia are all recognized. Next, the guys talk about the 6 athletes who were offered scholarships after their showing at the recent Edwardsville Live Basketball Showcase. Finally, Dave lists the top 10 tennis singles and doubles teams. Edwardsville, O'Fallon, Triad, Highland, Marquette, Mascoutah, Collinsville, Belleville East, and Belleville West are all listed.

In Segment II, we welcome back Paul Baillargeon, who will soon be inducted into the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame for his long and successful career as a sports photojournalist. This will be his 5th such recognition. Baillargeon describes how he got his start in the business; he talks about the art of getting the right shot; and he mentions the role that luck plays in getting the perfect shot.

Finally, we are joined by the MESPY winner for Large School Female Track Athlete of the Year, Sophie Shapiro, who brought back 4 medals from the recent state track meet along with a team championship. Shapiro describes the detail-oriented coaching that helped her win and her lofty goals for her final year of high school and beyond.

Season 7 is presented by Little Caesars Pizza!

7.22 Features four very unique segments.

In Segment I, hosts Dave Lipe, Matt Kamp, and Kevin Pawlow discuss our end-of-season Top-10 baseball rankings for large and small schools. Triad, Edwardsville, O'Fallon, Mascoutah, Waterloo, Belleville West, Jerseyville, Alton, Civic Memorial, Collinsville, Freeburg, Breese Central, Nashville, Father McGiveny, Columbia, Roxana, Greenville, Gibault, Mater Dei, and Gillespie are all included! Then, the guys discuss the Edwardsville Live Basketball Showcase. The play was outstanding, but the guys have a message for coaches and fans who at times "behaved poorly."

Next up, we are joined by SIUE Men's Basketball Coach Brian Barone and his son Carson, who is set to begin his senior hoop season at Edwardsville HS. Barone talks about life after the Cougars earned their first-ever "Big Dance" appearance in 2025, and he describes the emotions he feels watching his son play. Carson shares his goals for next season and beyond, and he talks about his style on the court. Dave asks if he's thought about being a third-generation basketball coach; his articulate response reveals the same poise he carries in the classroom and on the court.

In Segment III, we recognize the MESPY winners for Small School Soccer Team of the Year. Coach Jason Turkington of McGiveny brings with him star players Harper Dettmers and Emerson Isringhausen. Coach and the girls talk about their incredible state championship season, they describe their best memories, and they discuss what it will take for them to repeat as champs.

In Segment IV, we welcome back MESP co-founder Bill Roseberry to talk about his latest ventures into writing. Roseberry has created a "comic book style" magazine called the Reedy Chronicles based on the memories of his recently deceased friend, "Reedy." Roseberry talks about the inspiration for the project, which includes Substack publications and a YouTube channel. Getting a goat named Nana drunk is really something they did, and you won't want to miss his telling of that tale.

This season is presented by Little Caesars Pizza!

7.21 has 3 scintillating segments!

Segment I is the High School Report. KP reveals his "Top 10 Baseball Players," including Honorable Mention. Guys from Triad, Edwardsville HS, Freeburg, Father McGivney, Mascoutah HS, Central, and Greenville HS all made the list.

In Segment II, we welcome Scott Montesano, VP of Marketing and Broadcasting for the Alton River Dragons. He is joined by starting pitcher and Alton native Austin Rathgeb. Montesano describes his lifelong love affair with baseball, and he talks about the warm reception the club has received from the Riverbend community. Rathgeb talks about his "long list" of comped tickets for each game and his long-term baseball goals.

In Segment III, we welcome Coach Brian Boeving from Red Bud Softball, winners of the MESPY for Small School Softball Team of the Year. Boeving is joined by star player Julia Ohlau, who is also the Charitable Champion for June. Ohlau, who led the STL area in strikeouts, talks about her love for the game and her motivation for donating her $500 prize to the Red Bud Athletic Booster Club. Coach Boeving decribes that of which he is most proud of regarding this season, and he relays what it's like coaching Ohlau, an honor student and exceptional leader whose "stoic" helped her team make history this spring.

Little Caesars Pizza, the World Champions of Value, present this season!

7.20 has 5 HUGE Segments!

In Segment I, we recognize the MESPY Winners for the Boys Volleyball Team and Players of the Year. Jack Grimm, our VB expert, joins host Dave Lipe as the two meet with the Sheehans, Amy and Kenny, of O'Fallon THS. Amy, the Head Coach, and Kenny, her assistant and husband, share their thoughts on making the marriage and the coaching work together. Coach Amy talks about her team's dominant year, and she is joined by two of her top players, Sutton Massey and Elijah Zambrencia, who are our MESPY winners for co-Volleyball Players of the Year. The boys talk about their history in the sport, and they share their top memories of the season.Segment II is the High School Report. Dave and Kevin Pawlow are joined by Matt Kamp and Jack Grimm. KP goes over the 2A and 3A baseball playoffs, as he talks about the dramatic season finales for Triad and Freeburg. Next up, Matt Kamp unveils his end-of-season top 5 rankings (all sizes) for softball and soccer. Waterloo, Edwardsville, Triad, O'Fallon, Father McGivney, Belleville East, and Red Bud are among the teams discussed. Finally, Jack Grimm rounds out the segment with a look back at the volleyball state playoffs and OTHS's epic run in detail.

In Segment III, Cole Shoemaker, Mascoutah Boys Basketball Head Coach, returns. This time he brings with him leading scorer Micah Griffo, who led the area in three-point shooting. Shoemaker discusses the highlights of his team's season; Griffo reveals when he knew he "loved to shoot," and he describes his big basketball dreams.

Segment IV features former SLU Baseball Head CoachDarin Hendrickson, who talks about his latest role helping families "find the right fit for college." Hendrickson, who helped coach CBC to the state finals, describes some of the challenges inherent in college coaching today, and he talks about his latest efforts to help families navigate the tumultuous process of finding the perfect school for their high school athlete or transfer portal entry.

We wrap up this gigantic show with Segment V, in which we welcome back to the studio Daryl Thomas, SIUE wrestling Head Coach. Thomas talks about his new position as Head Coach, and he describes leading the Cougars in his hometown. Coach Thomas articulates what he loves about the sport, and he describes his coaching style.